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Why a Senior Dog?
So many cute and wiggly puppies, so many younger dogs with many years ahead of them. Why would anyone want to adopt a senior? Why would anyone take the chance of heartache that the loss of a dog can bring?
When you ask that question to people who have adopted an older dog you will get many answers.
Maybe…
They wanted a dog that is quieter and doesn’t need as much exercise. Though that is not always the case!
They wanted a dog that is already housetrained and settled in who they are. They wanted to give a second chance to a dog whose life has not been good until they were taken into rescue. What happens when you adopt a senior dog? When you first take in your senior and see their joy in a car ride, a special treat, a warm, soft bed it is a humbling experience. Little did you know that the things that younger dogs have taken for granted are treasured by a senior. Each soft touch from you, each caring word, each welcome home is collected by these dogs, as precious to them as any bone. They will allow you to see the world with golden warmth as you remember the
importance of patience and understanding and how to just sit and watch…a sunset…a bee…someone’s smile.
A senior dog gives us the opportunity to be our very best person. They do it without knowing, but with a nudge, a wag, a look, they allow us to face our fears of loss with dignity and compassion. Just like they do.
And if we are lucky, they are with us for much longer than we could ever imagine. No matter what, we are blessed with the lessons that they have taught us.
One By One
One by one, they pass by my cage,too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore, it seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed, a place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head, can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day, the younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,you saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age, and felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed, and shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low, you love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another, but you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give, to you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years, we will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave, I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new, my thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear, of the person who made my last days so dear.
*Leslie Whalen*
Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog
Senior dogs love to sleep and cuddle the day away. They enjoy a brisk daily walk, but the best part of the day is the nap. They love for you to join them.
Senior dogs have a tremendous amount of love to give. When you rescue a senior dog, you have a best friend for life.
Senior dogs reward your care with an unwavering devotion. Nothing matches the love of a senior dog for his rescuer.
Senior dogs have learned many of life's lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
Senior dogs know that great outdoors is for eliminating and the house is for relaxing. Your carpet will last longer with a senior dog.
Senior dogs can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They make excellent therapy dogs.
Senior dogs often fit into your household with ease. They find the softest, warmest spot in the house and claim it for their own, but they will share with you, too.
Senior dogs make excellent companions for everyone, especially senior people.
Senior dogs are often the first to be killed in area shelters. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies, they often do not have a chance and must go to make space for more puppies.
Adopting a senior dog saves a life!
Available for Adoption
"Heidi" is the quintessential southern bell. As is only proper since she hails from South Carolina. She is a petite 8-9yr old, prances when she walks and is VERY camera shy, I have only one good picture and that is of her sleeping....the rest are of her hiding (in my bedroom, behind the wood stove...etc...) from the camera or making a quick exit ! "Heidi" has been a dream right from her arrival. She was introduced to our other 7 dogs, ranging in age from 11 yrs to 3 yrs and from males to females with not even a growl. She is definitely a woman's dog, following me wherever (including the shower !) I may go, however she will curl up with anyone who happens to be on the couch. I think "Heidi" would truly fit into almost any household, mine is very busy and she seems unbothered by it all. She is good with all the cats and my older kids
For more information on Heidi, please contact her foster mom Tonya at richlanddco@frontiernet.net
Spayed: Yes
UTD on Vaccines: Yes
Heartworm Test Results: Negative
Heartworm Preventative: Yes
Flea/Tick Preventative: Yes
Microchipped: Will Be prior to adoption
Housebroken: Yes
